Japan's ruling party moves closer to cutting food tax from 8% to 1%

PoliticsProponents stress need to follow through on campaign pledge, but fiscal doubts remainAs food prices rise, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party plans to provide temporary relief with a consumption tax cut. © KyodoDAISHI CHIBA and SATOSHI TEZUKAAugust 4, 2026 05:43 JSTTOKYO -- The Japanese government's proposal to lower the consumption tax on food to 1% for two years starting in April received approval Monday from key ruling party committees, advancing a campaign pledge despite continued uncertainty over funding.